The Spanish-born, Bath-based designer said the award, which was voted for by a panel of leading internationally acclaimed journalists and retailers was "a great honour", adding: "to be recognised for doing something I love is really wonderful."

With a career spanning almost 40 years, his elegant, ladylike designs have won over the likes of Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, US
Vogue
editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and famously,
Sex and the City
character Carrie Bradshaw.

The late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Sir Paul Smith have all been recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Earlier this year, Blahnik expanded his shoe empire across the capital thanks to a business deal with Kurt Geiger, leading to concessions in Harrods and Liberty, and was awarded an honorary degree by his local university, Bath Spa. The designer is currently working on a creative campaign for the February 2013 instalment of London Fashion Week: an open brief to bring the concept of the catwalk shows and the Somerset House hub will be revealed next year.

In a statement, the BFC's chief executive Caroline Rush said of Blahnik: "Throughout his career he has contributed so much, not only to British fashion but also internationally, he has a worldwide cult following and this is true testament to his enduring talent and success. It is truly well deserved and it will be a great honour to work with him on next season's London Fashion Week, we are extremely excited to see his designs on display at Somerset House."